Patents by Inventor Kevin R Ward

Kevin R Ward has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9765017
    Abstract: Allosteric hemoglobin (Hb) modifiers of hemoglobin which contain nitric oxide (NO) moieties allowing for the release of NO in vivo. The compounds retain the oxygen delivery capability of the allosteric hemoglobin modifier to bind Hb and enhance Hb's ability to deliver oxygen to cells and tissues, and also release NO from the NO moiety. Methods of delivering oxygen and/or NO to cells and tissues are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Martin K. Safo, Richmond Danso-Danquah, Mohini Ghatge, Jurgen Venitz, Martin Mangino, Kevin R. Ward
  • Publication number: 20170151398
    Abstract: An intelligent control system for controlling a patient ventilation apparatus having at least negative end expiratory pressure ventilation (NEEP) system. The controller accepts signals from one or more physiological parameter sensors, compares data received from those sensors to target values stored in a memory, and either recommends changes to the NEEP or signals the NEEP to change or maintain certain settings, such as level and frequency. A positive end pressure ventilation system may be further employed with the intelligent control system, such that, based on data received from the physiological sensors, the intelligent control system can be used to deliver optimal levels of negative pressure ventilation and positive pressure ventilation, and promote weaning of a patient off the ventilators. The intelligent control system may also be used with an external pressure oscillatory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Kevin R. WARD, James M. BLUM, Kayvan NAJARIAN
  • Publication number: 20170148158
    Abstract: A system analyzes angiogram image data, including video data, in order to extract vasculature information. Advanced image processing and machine learning techniques are used in pre-processing, frame selection, and vasculature segmentation to remove classes of artifacts from angiogram videos, and specifically from frames selected as having a sufficient amount of image data. From segmentation, accurate vasculature diameters are calculated, and, in some examples, stenoses and/or the extent of stenosis is automatically determined and displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Kayvan Najarian, Sayedmohammadreza Soroushmehr, Kevin R. Ward, Brahmajee K. Nallamothu
  • Publication number: 20170007791
    Abstract: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) may be prevented in a patient, or its occurrence reduced in a population of patients, by using an anti-VAP device or an anti-VAP material such as an anti-VAP mouthpiece that absorbs secretions. By reducing the problem of bacterial-containing secretions that otherwise build up in the airway of, and elsewhere in, the intubated patient, VAP can be prevented from occurring in intubated patients, such as patients intubated with an endotracheal tube (ETT) or a nasogastric tube. Anti-VAP mouthpieces also are useable in non-intubated patients to maintain oral hygiene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ward, Curtis N. Sessler, Mary Jo Grap, Lawrence J. Dinardo, Bruce D. Spiess, Rao R. Ivatury, Cindy Munro
  • Publication number: 20160326097
    Abstract: Allosteric hemoglobin (Hb) modifiers of hemoglobin which contain nitric oxide (NO) moieties allowing for the release of NO in vivo. The compounds retain the oxygen delivery capability of the allosteric hemoglobin modifier to bind Hb and enhance Hb's ability to deliver oxygen to cells and tissues, and also release NO from the NO moiety. Methods of delivering oxygen and/or NO to cells and tissues are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Applicant: VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Martin K. SAFO, Richmond DANSO-DANQUAH, Mohini GHATGE, Jurgen VENITZ, Martin MANGINO, Kevin R. WARD
  • Patent number: 9480439
    Abstract: Provided is a new hierarchical methodology having a series of computational steps such as adaptive window creation, 2-D SWT application, masking, and boundary tracing is proposed. The techniques and systems are able to detect and quantify fracture as well as to generate recommendations for decision-making and treatment planning in traumatic pelvic injuries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University
    Inventors: Jie Wu, Rosalyn Hobson Hargraves, Kayvan Najarian, Ashwin Belle, Kevin R. Ward
  • Patent number: 9457163
    Abstract: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) may be prevented in a patient, or its occurrence reduced in a population of patients, by using an anti-VAP device or an anti-VAP material such as an anti-VAP mouthpiece that absorbs secretions. By reducing the problem of bacterial-containing secretions that otherwise build up in the airway of, and elsewhere in, the intubated patient, VAP can be prevented from occurring in intubated patients, such as patients intubated with an endotracheal tube (ETT) or a nasogastric tube. Anti-VAP mouthpieces also are useable in non-intubated patients to maintain oral hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ward, Curtis N. Sessler, Mary Jo Grap, Laurence J. Dinardo, Bruce D. Spiess, Rao R. Ivatury, Cindy Muare
  • Publication number: 20160266090
    Abstract: A bioelectrochemical sensor utilizing a nanoporous gold electrode. The bioelectrochemical sensor is suitable for measuring redox in biologic media while having increased resistance to biofouling as compared to conventional electrodes such as planar gold electrodes, due to greater exposed surface area of the three-dimentional ligature structure defining the nanopores. The nanopores have a pore size of 5-100 nm, preferably with an average pore size of less than 50 nm, and more preferably with an average pore size of less than 20 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Rodney C. Daniels, Kevin R. Ward, Maryanne M. Collinson
  • Publication number: 20160228380
    Abstract: Oxygen carrier compounds are impregnated into carrier materials that have free volume, empty or void space or high porosity using sub or supercritical fluid assisted processing. Compositions and methods for the treatment of wounds and burns are provided comprising peroxide compounds or perfluorinated compounds impregnated into carrier materials applied directly to the wound or burn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Mark A. McHugh, Rajendar Reddy Mallepally, Kevin R. Ward, Gary S. Huvard
  • Patent number: 9339241
    Abstract: Real-time, short-term analysis of ECG, by using multiple signal processing and machine learning techniques, is used to determine counter shock success in defibrillation. Combinations of measures when used with machine learning algorithms readily predict successful resuscitation, guide therapy and predict complications. In terms of guiding resuscitation, they may serve as indicators and when to provide counter shocks and at what energy levels they should be provided as well as to serve as indicators of when certain drugs should be provided (in addition to their doses). For cardiac arrest, the system is meant to run in real time during all current resuscitation procedures including post-resuscitation care to detect deterioration for guiding care such as therapeutic hypothermia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University
    Inventors: Kayvan Najarian, Sharad Shandilya, Kevin R. Ward
  • Patent number: 9271738
    Abstract: Bleeding from blood vessels located in difficult-to-compress regions of the body (especially the abdomen, pelvic or groin region) is controlled by the use of a portable, small-footprint belt-like device that contains multiple inflatable bladders. The inflatable bladders are selectively positioned and inflated over exsanguinating blood vessels, thereby exerting pressure to stop the bleeding. The device may also be used to provide perfusion support in low flow disease states such as hemorrhagic shock and cardiac arrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ward, Mark Licata
  • Publication number: 20160007863
    Abstract: A system for maintaining permissive hypotension in a patient includes monitoring of blood perfusion and pressure, combining blood perfusion and pressure data to determine systolic blood pressure, monitoring for detection of systolic blood pressure below a critical threshold value, and providing an alert to perfusion options to maintain permissive hypotension. The system may be adapted to adjust the critical threshold value for systolic blood pressure as treatment progresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ward, Hasan Alam, Kayvan Najarian, Robert Mitchell Baldwin, II
  • Publication number: 20150305632
    Abstract: The invention is a passive, wearable sensor that uses a thin piezoelectric material to produce a time history of blood pressure of the patient, with signal processing algorithms to extract physiological information. The sensor consists of a piezoelectric transducer set in a polymer laminate that can be applied to the finger or wrist of the patient. During use, a combination of compressive and bending deformation in the piezoelectric layer in response to blood pressure in the finger or wrist as a voltage output. Using signal processing techniques, the raw signal is filtered and decomposed to obtain a information to form derivative signals such as blood pressure, pulse pressure, pulse pressure variability, heart rate, heart rate variability, and respiratory rate which can be very important pre-cursors in the monitoring of the patient's physiological conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Kayvan Najarian, Kenn Oldham, Daniel Slavin, Ashwin Belle, Kevin R. Ward, Sardar Ansari, Rodney C. Daniels
  • Publication number: 20150164726
    Abstract: An airway support appliance lifts a patient's jaw upwards by using the mid-face of the patient as a stable fulcrum, thereby alleviating the need for techniques or devices to detect or alleviate airway obstructions. The appliance spans the patient's lower face and is secured to the angle and ramus of each side of the mobile mandible. These attachments are linked to one another across the midface or maxilla, using the bridge of the nose or the area between the nose and upper lip of the patient as the stabilizing point. The appliance may include an adjustment mechanism to facilitate tightening. Upon securement of the device to the patient while in a supine position, and activation of the adjustment mechanism, the mandible of the patient, which is mobile, is lifted anteriorly. Upon lifting of the mandible, the patient's tongue is carried forward and away from the posterior pharynx.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ward, Albert J. Shih, Jeffrey Stephen Plott, Christopher Shih
  • Publication number: 20150065815
    Abstract: Real-time, short-term analysis of ECG, by using multiple signal processing and machine learning techniques, is used to determine counter shock success in defibrillation. Combinations of measures when used with machine learning algorithms readily predict successful resuscitation, guide therapy and predict complications. In terms of guiding resuscitation, they may serve as indicators and when to provide counter shocks and at what energy levels they should be provided as well as to serve as indicators of when certain drugs should be provided (in addition to their doses). For cardiac arrest, the system is meant to run in real time during all current resuscitation procedures including post-resuscitation care to detect deterioration for guiding care such as therapeutic hypothermia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Virginia Commonwealth University
    Inventors: Kayvan Najarian, Sharad Shandilya, Kevin R. Ward
  • Publication number: 20140233820
    Abstract: Provided is a new hierarchical methodology having a series of computational steps such as adaptive window creation, 2-D SWT application, masking, and boundary tracing is proposed. The techniques and systems are able to detect and quantify fracture as well as to generate recommendations for decision-making and treatment planning in traumatic pelvic injuries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Virginia Commonweath University
    Inventors: Jie Wu, Rosalyn Hobson Hargraves, Kayvan Najarian, Ashwin Belle, Kevin R. Ward
  • Patent number: 8805051
    Abstract: Automated quantitative analysis of microcirculation, such as density of blood vessels and red blood cell velocity, is implemented using image processing and machine learning techniques. Detection and quantification of the microvasculature is determined from images obtained through intravital microscopy. The results of quantitatively monitoring and assessing the changes that occur in microcirculation during resuscitation period assist physicians in making diagnostically and therapeutically important decisions such as determination of the degree of illness as well as the effectiveness of the resuscitation process. Advanced digital image processing methods are applied to provide quantitative assessment of video signals for detection and characterization of the microvasculature (capillaries, venules, and arterioles).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University
    Inventors: Kayvan Najarian, Rosalyn Stacy Hobson, Kevin R. Ward, Sumeyra Ummuhan Demir Kanik, Nazanin Mirshahi
  • Patent number: 8762308
    Abstract: A real-time decision-support system predicts hemorrhagic shock of a patient by analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals and transcranial Doppler (TCD) signals from the patient. These signals are subject to signal decomposition using Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) to sets of wavelet coefficients and selecting significant signal features. Machine learning is applied to the significant features to evaluate and classify hypovolemia severity based on the input ECG and TCD signals from the patient. The classification of blood loss severity is displayed in real-time. An extension of the decision-support system integrates Arterial Blood Pressure (ABP) signals and thoracic electrical bio-impedance (DZT) signals with the ECG and TCD signals from the patient to evaluate severity of hypovolemia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University
    Inventors: Kayvan Najarian, Kevin R. Ward, Soo-Yeon Ji, Roya Hakimzadeh
  • Publication number: 20130310779
    Abstract: High-pressure bleeding wounds (and other bleeding wounds) may be treated by applying direct pressure directly in the bleeding wound, such as by applying a back pressure in a confined space around and in the wound. Certain substances and articles may be inserted into the wound, and the wound may be enclosed with that substance or article (such as a hemostatic substance, which may be polymeric), by swelling on contact with molecules (such as water molecules in the blood) encountered in the wound, generates the desired pressure to stop or at least reduce the bleeding without the detrimental effects of a tourniquet. Clot-inducing substances may be introduced into the wound contemporaneously with direct pressure application directly in the wound. Compressible and non-compressible wounds are treated. Treatment stops bleeding without producing pressure injury or ischemic damage. Medical devices using this technology are provided, including removable, biodegradable, medic-administrable devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Virginia Commonwealth University
    Inventors: Gary Wnek, Marcus E. Carr, JR., Gary Bowlin, Kelman I. Cohen, Kevin R. Ward, Wayne Barbee, Rao Ivatury
  • Publication number: 20130289471
    Abstract: This invention provides articles of manufacture and bandages comprising compartments and layers comprising oxygen and other therapeutic gas storage forms and perfluorocarbons. This invention also provides for methods of delivering oxygen and other therapeutic gases to a tissue in a subject comprising a administering to the tissue a composition comprising a perfluorocarbon and a oxygen or therapeutic gas storage form, so as to thereby deliver oxygen or the therapeutic gas to the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicants: Virginia Commonwealth University, Oxygen Biotherapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ward, Robert Diegelmann, Bruce Spiess, Gary S Huvard, Gurbhagat S Sandhu, Gary Bowlin, Chris Stern